A/N: I'm SORRY! I know this has been entirely too long between updates, but I was seriously depressed for quite a few days. Let's just say my ego had to regain some semblance of strength from an honest rejection of my writing. Haha. Thanks to everyone for the support and kick in the butt! The only way to improve is to write more…so here goes….More it is!

p.s. AND the site was down and wouldn't let me upload!

By the way, for those who have been patiently waiting for lemons, 21 has always been a lucky number for me ;)

SM owns twilight

Chapter 20 – Dates and Danger

Needless to say, my pleasure in the evening was over. By the time Edward reached for the phone the caller was gone but my fear most definitely remained. My gut reaction was to hyperventilate to the point of passing out. Thankfully I avoided that outcome by using my own mindfulness skills, struggling to remain in the moment. Once again Edward was there, handling the responsibility of calling Charlie.

Maybe it was a wrong number.

And the caller was having an asthma attack?

I couldn't believe this was happening.

"Tell me again, exactly, what happened." Charlie sat in the chair across from me and Edward, our legs and bodies touching on the couch.

We looked at each other in conspiracy, undoubtedly trying to decide where to begin in the story. I started. "Edward had been over to visit, and was just leaving..." Edward looked down, not making eye contact for my blatant lie of the evening's events.

Charlie stared me down, holding his notepad firmly in hand. "Uh-huh…"

"And we were in the middle of saying goodbye when the phone rang," Edward finished the short summary.

You could say that again.

I quickly added the important information to assuage my blushing. "I didn't look at the caller ID until after I had answered, and I finally realized it wasn't you, Dad. The other end was silent at first, but then there was someone breathing heavily, over and over."

Edward snapped out of examining his hands to add, "When I saw the look on her face I knew something was wrong so I grabbed the phone. But they had already hung up."

"Ok." Charlie sat quietly thinking, and Edward sat quietly watching him. The two men I cared most about in life were more alike than they realized. Even their frowns matched.

"Well, let's not get too worked up over this," Charlie announced confidently in his police voice. Although he sounded firm and resolute, his eyes betrayed the true worry of a father. "It could just be a prank call, or a wrong number, Bella. Once I get the information from the phone company I'll let you know. Security has been alerted, and there haven't been any issues on the property." He explained the process of having the call traced, confident we would have an answer within a few days.

"So both of you try and get some rest tonight." Charlie stood.

"Okay," we answered accordingly.

Unlike the last time Charlie and Edward were together in my presence, my dad left alone. Giving me the privacy to say goodbye was evidence of Charlie's softening.

Edward hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear. "I'm sorry for how I've been acting."

"I know. And I'll be fine," I assured him.

Liar.

"I know you will. You're a strong woman, Bella. I never meant to treat you any other way than that. But I'm sorry this is happening to you."

"Well, I'm sorry for over-reacting; I know you were only trying to help me this week."

"Are you going to try and out do me on apologies now? Besides, your over-reaction wasn't all that bad." He grinned wickedly. "There were parts of it I rather enjoyed."

I responded coyly, "That wasn't my full reaction."

He groaned under his breath. "I look forward to experiencing the full effect then, but when your mind can be focused on it. Not on a night like tonight. You need to rest."

Ugh!

"Fine." I pouted.

"I'll be just next door if you need me, unless you want me to stay on the couch?" Edward kissed me on the forehead, inhaling deeply while squeezing my arms.

"Not unless you're going to pick up where we left off," I countered.

"Goodnight, Beautiful Bella."

"Goodnight, Blue Eyes."

I showered and curled up beside Rio, listening to every sound in the room and every creak throughout the condo. My mind wandered to the kiss, and my lust of wanting to call Edward and feign panic just to get him back over almost took control of me. I next obsessed over the phone call, and why James was harassing me. I alternated between these two thoughts, struggling with my mind until dawn. Daylight found me asleep, somehow surrendering in the early morning hours.

The patients and treatment team filled my day with responsibilities, and Charlie filled my night with dinner and football. Watching ESPN Classic was his favorite way of passing time, a Friday night tradition over the years.

Mike and Jessica arrived Saturday morning, keeping me company on a long five mile run. Rio pouted as we started out, looking over toward Edward's Volvo in expectation.

He's not coming with us today, boy.

I'm not sure if it was their constant chatting, my adrenaline high, or the beautiful sunshine, but by the end of the run I felt optimistic again.

Maybe it's your date tonight?

Smile.

Our triple date was going to be the first time Edward and I would actually attempt being a couple, in public. Alice had planned for dinner at a steak house just outside of Seattle. We would be riding with Jasper but Edward was going to come over and 'pick me up' first. I showered and read journal articles the rest of the day, counting the hours until he would arrive. Choosing what to wear was torturous. Rio sprawled on top of the duvet while I threw piles of shirts, pants, and skirts all around him. After forty five minutes had passed, he let out a huge sigh and jumped off the bed to retreat into the kitchen.

"Some help you are!" I called out after him.

Finally stepping out in a green silk tank with a black sweater and slacks, I glanced in the mirror. The choice was comfortable yet elegant casual.

And Boring.

He said green was his favorite color.

Lose the slacks. No! Too obvious.

It looks boring. Ugh. It does, doesn't it?

I assessed the pile of clothes on the bed, realizing barely anything was left in the closet. My hopes for the night led me to switch the pants for a black skirt and strappy heels.

Better.

I nodded to myself, confirming that the change was a better combination- sexy, but not desperate.

##***##

"You look beautiful." Edward smiled, standing in my open doorway with one white lily.

"Thank you." I blushed. "A white lily?" I took the flower delicately from his hands.

Edward raised his lips into a crooked half smile, caressing my cheek with his fingers. "Yes. The Greeks and Chinese believed that the white lily was a symbol of purity. The Romans associated it with Juno, the Queen of the Gods... although many say it was really the flower of Venus, the Goddess of Love."

"Oh yeah?" I smelled the flower, raising an eyebrow at his thorough explanation of meaning.

Edward finally looked sheepish. "Yes, and it is fitting, since it is heavenly to be with you, Bella."

My blush deepened. "Why don't we wait until you've spent more time with me before you make that assessment?"

"You find it hard to accept compliments," he stated matter of factly.

"I know. I'm sorry." I felt foolish.

"Well if it makes it any easier, in today's time, the white lily's meaning has changed substantially."

"Really? How so?" I was glad he changed the subject back from me.

"Ah….well you see..." Edward leaned in as if to smell the flower, but kissed my neck instead, inhaling deeply. "…today lilies are known to symbolize the essence of feminine sexuality." He kissed me again, his lips lingering on the soft flesh above my collar bone. "And you, Bella…" he kissed me again, "… are an extremely sexual woman."

Forget dinner.

"You guys ready for dinner?" Alice popped in the doorway.

Didn't I just say forget dinner?

Edward chuckled, apparently hearing my breath hitch in frustration.

"Oops." Alice frowned in apology. "Jas is in the car..." she backed away slowly.

I giggled, taking Edward's hand as we started to leave. Of course Rio objected from his bed, barking loudly. Edward stopped and walked over to him, handing him a treat from his jacket.

"I promise I'll take care of her." He patted Rio's head. Rio rolled over in submission, satisfied.

My smile was hard to restrain because his behavior was so adorable and sexy.

"What?" he asked defensively, perhaps embarrassed from his soft side.

"Nothing." I grinned. "You're great with him. You like dogs?"

"I like your dog." He winked, grabbing my hand once again and pulling me out the door.

Jasper and Alice kept us entertained the entire trip, quoting episodes of favorite sitcoms and movie quotes. My comments were limited, the butterflies in my stomach keeping me quiet. Edward smelled divine. A combination of cologne and freshly showered man heightened my senses.

"You guys hungry?" Jasper asked while looking in the rear-view mirror at us.

You could say that.

He described the restaurant as one of the best places for steak near Seattle, a close friend of his being the head chef there. He apologized for the third time regarding the lack of vegetarian choices. Alice purred in Jasper's ear, "I told you I'm willing to eat meat on occasion."

Edward laughed out loud. "Get a room!"

Alice rolled her eyes in response. "Shh! You know I'd need a suite."

We all laughed, finally reaching our destination. Emmett and Rose were already there, waiting on our arrival.

"It's about time!" Emmett was stretched out with his arm around Rose, her body leaning against him in relaxed enjoyment. "Where have you guys been?"

"Em, we're fifteen minutes early. Chillax." Jasper strode in, an extra spring in his step from Alice's constant attention.

Is he strutting?

Haha. Lil' firecracker has him sprung!

The dinner was full of laughing, teasing, and flirtations. Our camaraderie and conversation pushed all the past few weeks of fears away from my mind. Edward's eyes held this twinkle which captured my attention throughout the evening; I was truly lost in his gaze. There was just one moment of tension between us which became this morbid form of foreplay.

"You're not going to eat that," I said under my breath.

"You kidding? I'm gonna devour this," Edward announced in triumph.

"It's bleeding." My eyes couldn't quit staring at the bloody piece of steak in front of him.

"It's rare. Perfectly. Just like I ordered it."

"I can hear the moo-ing."

"Well I'm not the one ingesting all those carcinogens from burning the meat until its petrified, Dr. Swan." His use of my formal address was challenging but sexy.

"My steak is cooked thoroughly, as it should be. Since when does a music therapist worry about carcinogens?"

"You prefer that I suggest a playlist to honor the cow's life you wasted by defiling his sacrifice?" he continued.

"Why does it have to be a male cow?" I countered.

"Males are more…giving?"

"Uh-huh. And yours?" I asked, warily.

"Oh, mine is definitely female." Edward bit into the red meat with chagrin, and I closed my eyes in exaggerated repulsion.

Our stoic looks lasted mere seconds before we burst into laughter. I realized the rest of the table had been holding their breath, analyzing whether our banter was playful or angry. Once we revealed our enjoyment the others chimed in, finally turning on Alice who had ordered a spinach salad despite her insinuations of tasting 'meat' tonight. The fact that she had chosen this restaurant was proof enough that she loved Jasper dearly.

##***##

We were walking to the car, fully satiated, when I noticed the Seattle skyline. "It's beautiful."

"Yes, it is." Edward was watching me intently and not the city scape.

"I'd like to come back in the next few weeks," I added.

"Really? For any reason in particular?"

"Yes. I've been thinking more about your theory of Ms. Hiller. Alice's testing supports it and I'd like to talk to her room-mate, the school counselors, and maybe a few of her professors."

"Can't you just do that over the phone?" Edward seemed worried.

"I could, but I can gauge more about a person's reactions when I can see them. It will likely be easier to just make a day of it anyway."

"Hmm." He was even sexy when pensive. "OK. I'd like to accompany you."

" You would?" I knew he was being protective, but I was enjoying it more.

"Yes. I want to come with you, Bella. For your company."

He was worried over me traveling alone, but his genuineness left me willing to concede to just about anything.

"OK. How about Friday, next weekend? The week after is Thanksgiving, and I don't want to wait that long."

Edward smiled this mischievous grin which left me out of a private joke. "Sounds great."

##***##

The ride home was uncomfortably quiet despite the chattering of the lovebirds in the front seat. Edward was quiet. Things had seemed to be going so well, but the silence left my mind to wander. I began analyzing every word, every gesture since he picked me up. When we walked to the car from the restaurant Edward had opened my door once again, watching me slide into the seat. I was more than glad I had chosen the skirt. I noticed him assessing my legs every time I crossed my ankles or moved, but the sideways glances were fleeting. My hand rested lightly in his on the center armrest. Periodically he would caress my palm with his thumb, reminding me that he was indeed sitting in the car beside me. Otherwise he was silent, and the mounting tension was more than I could bear.

"What music should we listen to, after an evening of good conversation and raw meat?" Alice giggled and grabbed Jasper's IPod to scan for tunes. She squealed as she chose the Ramones, 'I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend'. Jasper started serenading her and she joined in, their energy contagious.

I smiled at Edward and he was smiling back, the same twinkle in his eye. My fears lessened.

Jasper dropped us off near midnight and Edward walked me to the door. In the moonlight his pale skin looked god-like. His unruly locks tousled in the wind. Standing there I felt more than inadequate. Who would speak first under the silence seemed to be a recurring theme for us.

Frack it.

"I had a wonderful time tonight." I spoke the words without looking into his eyes, still afraid of the response I may see.

Edward sighed, stepping into my personal space. He lifted my chin with one finger, his thumb caressing my face while his eyes searched mine. "I had a wonderful time as well."

"You've been so quiet." I shrugged.

He laughed quietly.

"What's so funny?" I asked, even more embarrassed.

"I've been quiet?" he repeated.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. I was…negotiating with myself, so to speak."

Huh?

I waited silently for more explanation, my eyes revealing the confusion.

"I had a more than a wonderful time tonight, Bella."

A smile returned to my rosy cheeks, the blush instantaneous.

"In fact," he leaned in, "I couldn't think straight on the drive home, for want of devouring your lips."

Edward kissed me softly, the taste of cabernet still on his lips. His touch caused my entire body to shiver and I gasped lightly. Opening my mouth I welcomed his kiss, our tongues meeting in desire. Wrapping my hands around his neck I could feel his warm flesh against the cool night air. My fingers curled in his hair, causing me to moan into his kiss. Blue Eyes responded with a slight growl of his own, deepening his reaction. I needed air, but would rather suffocate than stop kissing him. Finally, he broke the connection first.

Air rushed into my lungs, my face flushed and my lips tingling. "Do you want to come in?"

Please.

"I don't think so," Edward responded with a pained expression.

"Why?" I didn't even attempt to hide my petulance.

"This was our first official date. If I walk into your place right now, I won't be leaving until morning."

Please God. Please.

"That's not a problem for me." I stepped closer against him.

Edward grabbed my shoulders, hugging me tightly as he kissed my neck again, chastely. A long sigh escaped his lips.

"I want to do this right, Bella. I'm not going to have my way with you on the first date. This relationship, and you, are more than important to me."

Ugh!

"Ok."

"Ok?" he asked.

"Ok. Goodnight, Edward."

"Goodnight, Bella."

I hurriedly walked inside, sliding my back down the door once it closed behind me. The sexual frustration alone was driving me insane. Rio trotted over, licking my hands and sniffing; looking for a doggy bag I'm certain. He finally realized I hadn't brought one, returning to his bed in disgust. I sat in the floor, visibly shaking, for another few minutes.

##***##

Sleep was impossible. My mind wouldn't allow the luxury with Edward's taste still lingering on my lips. His smell even remained in the air.

Now you're an expert in olfactory hallucinations?

Logging on I could feel my body tighten, already knowing he would be there.

[E Cullen is online.]

[B: Hey.]

[E: Hey, beautiful. Please…don't be mad.]

[B: Sigh.]

[E: Please.]

[B: When is 'right' Edward?]

[E: Hmm. I dunno.]

[B: Figures.]

[E: What do you think is reasonable then?]

[B:Now! Now is reasonable for me.]

I wondered if he even wanted me, given that I wouldn't hesitate if the situation was reversed.

[E: First date is not reasonable.]

[B: You're a prude!]

[E: LOL. Maybe I am. How about the third date?]

Hmm.

My mind raced, conniving on the possibilities.

[B: You know our walk on the trails was a date.]

[E: What? No way. That's a stretch.]

[B: Didn't you ask me? Didn't you bring me coffee? I consider that enough to qualify.]

[E: Okay.]

Yes!

Wait…what did I win?

Oh yes, that makes two dates!

[B: OK then, three dates it is. We've had two already. *smile*]

[E: Haha. Yes, we have.]

[B: So.]

[E: So.]

[B: Ugh! Goodnight, Edward.]

[E: Wait.]

[B: Yes?]

[E: We're going to Seattle together Friday, right?]

[B: Yes.]

[E: Then it's a date. *smile*]

Oh my God. Yes!

[B: Yes, it will be.]

[E: I look forward to Friday, Bella.]

[B: Me too.]

[E: Goodnight, Beautiful.]

[B: Goodnight, Blue Eyes.]

My heart raced and my pulse quickened. Edward Cullen was going with me to Seattle on Friday, and we we're going to have sex.

Frack.

Make love.

Smeg!

Shag.

Who cares!

He's going to be mine.

A/N: Yes, yes, yes. NEXT Chapter is SEATTLE. And our first official lemon. Pucker up!

A/N: This chapter contains lemons

Chapter 21 – Seattle and Smegs